In TV3 Sports build up to the weekend’s kick off, we shift camp to Ashanti Gold, who like most clubs, have been putting in last minute preparations by engaging in a number of friendly games.
The sports team was in Obuasi to observe how the miners are shaping up for the league.
Welcoming the release of the 2019/2020 football season calendar, the Miners who recently represented the country in the CAF Confederations Cup, insist they are the side to watch in the 18-team league, which starts December 27.
Brazilian coach of the side Ricardo Da Rocha has given the strongest indication that they are out to put up a good challenge, and possibly earn another continental club football slot next year.
“There is no problem in camp, all the players are serious and everything is working nicely, we have new players and old players. We are fully prepared to win this season Ghana premier league title and qualify for Africa,’’ Ricardo Da Rocha said.
With top scorer for Normalization Committee Special Competition and 2019 WAFU Cup, Shafiu Mumuni in their fold, that target looks attainable.
Mumuni himself is dreaming of delivering the trophy to the fans and wants to retain his title as the top marksman in the local league.
“The preparation is very very good and everybody is determined and everybody is waiting for the league to kick off,
When asked what will be his personal target going into the season, Shafiu Mumuni answered:
“Ahmmmm as a striker you have to make sure that you aim for the goal king at the end of the season and at the same time you help the team win the ultimate title that is the GPL Trophy.”
CEO of Ashgold, Fred Acheampong, believes they have put in enough work ahead of the season, and confident they are primed for the trophy.
“If we don’t finish within the top 4 it means that we represent a failure in Ashanti Gold, likewise in the FA Cup and other competition as well, we are supposed to at least get to the knockout stages. Even when I say knockout stages, I mean talking about quarter finals, semifinals and possibly in the final because we are one of the clubs that have prepared well in the past one or two years and so to us we expect to do well in all the competitions that would list to participate,’’ Fred Acheampong remarked.
Ashgold were the first club to win the Ghana league when it went professional in the 1993/94 and defended it twice in 1995 and 1996
Ashgold will host Accra Great Olympics at the Len Clay Sports Stadium in Obuasi on Match Day 1 on Friday December 27.
One of the biggest derbies of the season will take place in Kumasi between Asante Kotoko and Ashantigold on February 16, 2020.
The match day 8 encounters will see the Miners make a short trip to Kumasi to face the Porcupine Warriors.
By Nana Akua Amankwaa Quaye/TV3 Sports/3news.com